Oldham Leaves Orlando For La

Seven-foot center Jawann Oldham, whom the Orlando Magic had offered a second 10-day contract, quit the team Monday and signed a 10-day contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.

After Saturday's double-overtime loss to the Washington Bullets, Oldham and Magic General Manager Pat Williams agreed to another 10-day contract. Oldham was scheduled to appear in Williams' office Monday morning to sign the agreement and pick up his his first paycheck. However, Oldham never showed up, and he also failed to appear at practice Monday afternoon.

The Lakers notified the Magic Monday night that they had signed Oldham. The Lakers did not violate any rules in signing Oldham because his initial contract with the Magic had expired, and he was a free agent.

The Lakers waived rookie Steve Bucknall to make room for Oldham.

The Magic signed Oldham out of the Continental Basketball Association, but it had become clear that he did not fit into the club's long-range plans and likely would have been released from the team as soon as his second 10-day contract expired.